Pollination Systems in the Atlantic Forest: Characterisation, Threats, and Opportunities

In the Brazilian Atlantic forest, pollination systems encompass several animal groups and vary from very specialised to highly generalised ones. Plant-pollinator interactions are at the origin and maintenance of diversity and affect ecosystems’ functioning. Moreover, pollination deficit may impact agricultural systems and the dynamics in natural systems with varying importance according to interaction specialisation. We present here examples of pollination studies in the Atlantic forest, highlighting current stressors of plant-pollinator interactions and opportunities to mitigate them. Habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species are the major threats to pollination interactions. Despite the risk, the opportunities for change (restoration, ecological corridors, and protected areas, and landscape management) can contribute to the maintenance of pollination services in the Atlantic forest.